In a European political landscape increasingly populated with insurgent, anti-system parties, Italy's extremist Northern League is the latest to profit from a groundswell of hostility to the European Union.

Intergroups have no legislative power, but are formed to promote exchange of views - on subjects as diverse as animal rights or youth - and are often used as a single point of contact by lobbyists. EurActiv France reports.

If the European Union lacks somewhat in terms of popular legitimacy, the electoral procedure of the European Parliament must have something to do with it. Fortunately, Parliament is itself responsible for initiating electoral reform, although like all parliaments it must overcome the vested interests of serving deputies that provide an in-built bias towards the status quo, writes Andrew Duff.

The European Parliament rejected a motion of censure against Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker’s team today (27 November), the result being better than the one he obtained when the Commission was initially voted on, two weeks before the Luxleaks scandal erupted.

“I promised to present an ambitious Investment Plan before Christmas. One month later and Christmas has come early – I am here to deliver on my promise”, Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told MEPs, presenting his €315 billion investment plan.